What Mormons Believe About Black People
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, commonly known as the Mormon Church, has a complex history regarding its beliefs about black people. The church’s stance on this issue has evolved over time, and understanding the various perspectives can provide insight into the religious and cultural context of Mormonism.
In the early days of the Mormon Church, founded by Joseph Smith in the 1830s, black people were excluded from the priesthood. This policy was based on a revelation given to Smith, which stated that black men were not allowed to hold the priesthood because of a curse placed upon them. This revelation, known as the “Curse of Cain,” was included in the Doctrine and Covenants, the church’s sacred text.
The exclusion of black people from the priesthood was a significant source of controversy and discrimination within the Mormon community. It led to the formation of separate black Mormon congregations and contributed to the broader struggle for civil rights in the United States. Over time, however, the church began to reconsider its stance on this issue.
In 1978, under the leadership of President Spencer W. Kimball, the church announced a revelation that lifted the ban on black men holding the priesthood. This revelation was accepted by the church as divine guidance and marked a significant turning point in the church’s history. The church now teaches that the ban was a mistake and that it was based on a misunderstanding of the scriptures.
Since the 1978 revelation, the Mormon Church has made efforts to address the historical discrimination against black people. The church has issued statements acknowledging the hurt caused by the past policies and has worked to promote racial equality within its membership. The church also emphasizes the importance of treating all people with respect and love, regardless of their race or ethnicity.
Despite these efforts, some members of the Mormon Church continue to hold beliefs that are inconsistent with the church’s current teachings. Some individuals may still believe in the curse of Cain or other teachings that were once part of the church’s doctrine. However, the church has made it clear that these beliefs are not in line with its current teachings and that it does not condone discrimination based on race.
In conclusion, what Mormons believe about black people has evolved significantly over time. The church has moved away from its past policies of discrimination and now teaches that all people are equal in the eyes of God. While some members may still hold beliefs that are inconsistent with the church’s current teachings, the Mormon Church has made strides in promoting racial equality and addressing the historical discrimination against black people.
